Date and Place of Birth:
14 December 1966, Copenhagen (Denmark).
Education:
Helle has a Master’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Copenhagen, and a Master’s Degree in European Studies from the College of Europe in Bruges.
Political Career:
Helle was member of Danish Parliament and the Leader of the Social Democratic Party for 10 years. Prior to her time as Prime Minister, she was a member of the European Parliament from 1999 to 2004, and previously worked as an international adviser to the Confederation of Trade Unions. As the Prime Minister of Denmark, she led a coalition government from 2011 until 2015, successfully steering Denmark through a difficult period of transition after the global financial crisis.
Professional Experience:
In 2016, Helle joined Save the Children International after a career of public service. As CEO of Save the Children International, she oversaw humanitarian and development programs that reach 55 million children in around 120 countries. Save the Children has 25,000 staff, working in some of the most difficult and challenging contexts in the world, and an annual budget of over 2 billion USD.
Other:
Throughout her career Helle has been deeply engaged with a range of significant national, European and global issues. She now contributes her insights and expertise, as a board member to several influential international advisory groups and think-tanks, including: The European Council for Foreign Relations, the International Crisis Group, the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, the Every Woman, Every Child Global Strategy UN Advisory Group, the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement, the Centre for Global Development European Advisory Group.
